Adele Brown - in profile

"If you like helping people and are a people person this is the place for you. When you go home at the end of the day knowing you’ve helped someone it’s a great feeling."

Adele, 22, is a Receptionist in the Maternity Unit

Can you tell us about your journey with the Countess?

I worked in the admissions office when I first arrived as an apprentice and completed my NVQ Level 2 in business and administration before applying for a new role in maternity. I’ve carried on with my apprenticeship and am currently studying for my NVQ Level 3.

What do you think about your role?

I absolutely love my job in maternity. It’s a full time job now which gives me a real sense of achievement and progression. I do plan on carrying on with my studying and progressing further in my career. Hopefully that will mean going on to do my NVQ Level 4 because I do enjoy learning through the apprenticeship. I love everything about it.

What kind of support do you receive during an apprenticeship at the Countess?

If I need time out to complete a task on my apprenticeship I always feel supported to do so by the Trust. Our tutor is excellent and visits us at the hospital. They’ll sit with us in our work area or arrange a training room on site where we can carry out and complete our tasks and course work. This approach is really helpful because it means the apprenticeship constantly links back to your job role and the needs of that job.

Why did you want to move to the Maternity Unit?

I have always wanted to work in Maternity. From the first time I walked through the building when I started I wanted to work there. As I was progressing with my Level 2 qualification I asked Access Co-ordinator Hayley Carey if there were any jobs in Maternity and she encouraged me to go for it and within a month or so I had a job there. It just happened at the right time for me. It was meant to be. It has a different feel to the main part of the hospital. I just love the atmosphere in maternity.

What would you say to someone thinking of doing an apprenticeship at the hospital?

If you like helping people and are a people person this is the place for you. When you go home at the end of the day knowing you’ve helped someone it’s a great feeling.